Former reality TV star Jessie Holmes has won the 53rd edition of the prestigious Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, crossing the finish line in Nome, Alaska, after a grueling 10-day, 14-hour journey. This marks his first victory in the endurance event, which spans 1,129 miles and is considered one of the most challenging physical tests in sports.
Holmes’s achievement comes after a string of promising performances, including three previous podium finishes. The race was extended due to insufficient snowfall in the area, with the original distance of 1,000 miles being increased to accommodate the conditions.
A total of 33 mushers started the event, with Holmes’s team emerging as one of the top contenders. Despite facing challenges such as a pregnant dog that passed away during the race and multiple team members withdrawing, Holmes persevered to claim the top prize, which includes the largest share of the $500,000 purse.
In a post-race statement, Holmes reflected on his experience, saying, “It’s hard to put into words, but it’s a magical feeling. It’s not about this moment now; it’s about all those moments along the trail.” This victory marks a significant milestone in Holmes’s career as an Iditarod competitor and solidifies his reputation as one of the top mushers in the sport.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/2025/03/14/iditarod-former-reality-tv-star-jessie-holmes-wins/82403401007